John Graziano has remained in critical condition since being seriously injured as the front-seat passenger in Hogan Knows Best co-star Nick Hogan's Toyota Supra when it crashed two weeks ago in Clearwater, FL, and his father said the next few days are detrimental to his son's recovery.
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Edward Graziano told reporters during a Sunday evening news conference that Bayfront Medical Center doctors have taken his 22-year-old son off the medication that has kept him in a coma while his body recuperates, adding John remains on dialysis and underwent several procedures because his frontal lobes were pushed in due to the crash.
"They say there is still hope, but he is still very critical," Edward told reporters, The Tampa Tribune reported Monday. "There are a lot of people praying for him. He is young, and he is physically fit. He has that going for him."
Police allege Nick was speeding in a Toyota Supra around 7:30PM on August 26 in Clearwater, FL when he lost control and hit a raised median, spinning the vehicle and causing its rear end to strike a palm tree. While Nick was released from the hospital the day following the crash, John -- a U.S. Marine who has served two tours of duty in Iraq -- is still suffering from head and kidney injuries.
"It's heartbreaking," said Edward, according to The Tribune. "I see him as my baby boy but also as a tough Marine."
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Edward added the Hogan family has been "very supportive" throughout the entire ordeal, and even offered the services of a second neurologist from Tampa General Hospital to confer with those treating John at Bayfront.
"There is help around the clock," said Edward about the outpouring of support from the Hogan family and the rest of the community, The Tribune reported.
Despite opening up about his son's condition, Edward declined to discuss his own August 31 arrest on charges he violated a domestic violence injunction after arguing with family members at Bayfront.
In addition, The Tribune reported police continue to investigate 17-year-old Nick's single-car crash but no charges have been filed at this time.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio